More than £300 was raised for charitable causes following Devon CCC’s community quiz night in the Sidmouth CC pavilion, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

The quiz night, now an established event in its third year, is part of the county club’s partnership with Sidmouth CC.

It is traditionally a launch event for the county club’s souvenir brochure, which is issued free to members and supporters every season.

Devon will play at least seven days of cricket on the Fortfield this summer, more depending on progress in one-day competitions, and regard the ground almost as a home from home. The county club, as part of its community engagement programme, has set a target of raising at least £1,000 from events at the Fortfield in 2018.

The raffle, in aid of Sidmouth Hospiscare, the Sid Valley Memory Café/Admiral Nurse Appeal and the David Shepherd Cricket Trust, raised £330.

“A marvellous starting point to attain our target of £1000,” said Devon committeeman David Thorneley.

“The quiz, well-chaired by Jo de Remers, attracted another bumper attendance, with 15 teams vying to top the podium.”

Top of the lot were the Croquet Misfits, skippered to victory by Peter Nelson.

Second place went to Sidmouth Hospiscare and there was a three-way tie for third between Sid Valley Memory Café, Cottage Etihad and the Royal Glen Hotel.

An enjoyable element of the night out was a buffet prepared by Sidmouth’s resident caterer Gill Hodge. Neil Gamble, the Devon chairman, thanked quizzers for turning out and talked about the success of the brochure, which has nearly tripled in size since its launch in 2016. This year it can be viewed online.

Gamble also talked about the first Devon Day at Somerset CCC on May 11, when Devon members will be admitted free of charge to the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship game against Hampshire.

Devon Day is one of the benefits now available to Devon CCC members as part of a recruitment drive for 2018.

For a £25 subscription Devon members get a day out at Somerset which would cost them £18 at the gate, free entry to all Devon home games, a copy of the souvenir brochure and entry into a monthly draw to win a VIP day at a Devon game.

“The winner of the draw will be the club’s guest for morning coffee, luncheon and tea at a home game of their choice,” said Gamble.

To become a county member, visit the Devon Cricket Board website, go the county drop down tab and select Devon CCC, where there is a membership panel.